Reflections on the Daily Readings 21st March 2022

Webmaster • March 19, 2022

Monday 21st March


Lenten Weekday

Commit to a better world 


The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on this, the anniversary of police in South Africa killing 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid in 1960. All these decades later, the violence of racial discrimination continues. The catechism instructs Catholics that racism “must be curbed and eradicated as incompatible with God’s design.” This year’s theme is “Youth standing up against racism” with a focus on how the pandemic has especially hindered the education and employment prospects of young people from minority backgrounds. No matter your age, make a commitment this Lent to help put a stop to racism once and for all.


Today's readings: 2 Kings 5:1-15ab; Luke 4:24-30

“When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury.”


Tuesday 22nd March


Lenten Weekday

Let living waters flow


It’s World Water Day. This U.N. observance shines a light not only on the critical importance of a clean and adequate water supply—so essential, it’s a basic human right—but also how it’s endangered. In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis identifies no less than five serious threats to our planet’s water supply, some impacting our world right now, particularly among the poor. The 2005 murder of Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, an environmental martyr for her fierce protection of the Amazon and its people, highlights that the global “water wars” have already begun. Visit the website of the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns for ways you can help.


Today's readings: Daniel 3:25, 34-43; Matthew 18:21-35

“Deliver us by your wonders, and bring glory to your name, O Lord.”



Wednesday 23rd March


Memorial Of Turibius Of Mogrovejo,

Time is of the essence 


Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo was a defender of the voiceless. A Spanish missionary to Peru who became archbishop of Lima, he defended the rights of the indigenous people who suffered terribly during Spanish colonization. His favorite saying was, “Time is not our own and we must give a strict account of it.” Many times, it can be easy to overlook those who are voiceless, to pass them on the street without a second thought. But as Saint Turibius taught, our time on Earth is limited, and we should spend it on the things that matter and can make a difference. Today, notice those around you who may not have a voice and reflect on how you can help them to be heard. Take a step toward doing so.


Today's readings: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9; Matthew 5:17-19

“Whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”


Thursday 24th March


Lenten Weekday

Live your truth 


Truth-telling is a central tenet of JudeoChristian ethics. Today is World Day for Truth Concerning Human Rights, a focus that is essential because the loss of human rights is often built on lies stripping a group of people of their God-given dignity. Like so many Christian virtues, truth and honesty in the social sphere begin in small ways, with individuals living lives of personal integrity and then expecting the same of their leaders. As Saint Augustine says, "The greatest kindness one can render to any person is leading him to truth."


Today's readings: Jeremiah 7:23-28; Luke 11:14-23

“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”


Friday 25th March


Solemnity Of The Annunciation Of The Lord

Pregnant with possibilities


Mary’s pregnancy seems to get the fast track: Annunciation, Visitation, and then boom, it’s Christmas. But the Solemnity of the Annunciation is exactly nine months before Christmas, honoring the natural process of pregnancy. There are not many visibly pregnant Marys in Catholic iconography, but a few stand out. In the Americas, there’s Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, with Mary wearing a black sash customary for pregnant indigenous women. In Europe, you’ll find Madonna del Parto, often depicted with a book on her belly, an illusion to the Word of God embodied in her womb. These images have been open to many interpretations from the truth of the Incarnation to the important role of women in salvation history. What do the images of Mother Mary inspire in you?


Today's readings: Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10; Hebrews 10:4-10; Luke 1:26- 38 (545).

“Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son.”



Saturday 26th March


Lenten Weekday

The heart of mercy 


We hear a lot about sacrifice during Lent. Not so much about mercy. Yet as the Lord reminds us in today’s responsorial psalm (51), “It is mercy I desire, and not sacrifice.” In a sense, mercy requires its own “giving up” activity. Giving up on getting our way, on keeping score, on getting even. Saint Thomas Aquinas defined mercy as the “compassion in our hearts.” Let mercy, the love beating within, be your Lenten offering.


Today's readings: Hosea 6:1-6; Luke 18:9-14

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Prayers for the Sick

By Webmaster • January 30, 2026
Please pray for Our Sick : Margaret Callaghan Doreen Cleary, Michael Ritchie, Neil Boyle, John Rielly Molly Strang, James Clark, Fr. Michael McLaughlin, Patricia Henderson, Joanna Maier (Connecticut USA), Therese Gilgunn Tressy Callaghan, Suzanne McMurray, Mary Coyle, Lesley Watson (Spain) Maureen McHugh, Margaret Burke, Marie White, Kathleen Daly, John McGuire, Jill Brown, Karen Pritchatt, Louise Newton, Faith Lyndsey, Jill Brown, Marie McGuire, James Morton, Paul Kearney, Thomas Daly, Andrew McCluskey, Premature Baby Vincent McDowell, Bill Allan, Gudren Berk (Germany), Jaqueline McReynolds, Mary Morrison, Helen Howarth (Easterhouse) Eugene McVey and all our sick.

Dates for your diary

By Webmaster • January 30, 2026
Mass of the Sick Saturday 14th February 10am Mass Ash Wednesday 18th February: Masses 7am, 10am & 6pm Sacramental Meetings Tuesday 24th February St. Peter's & St. Mark's 6pm First Confession 6.30pm First Communion  7pm Confirmation Meetings will take place in the Church

Gift Aid

By Webmaster • January 30, 2026
If you wish to sign up for Gift Aid. It is a great way to help the parish financially, costing you absolutely nothing. If you wish to sign up contact myself or Doreen Lee and we will give you the form and hand it back as you can and we can get it organised. As I said it costs you nothing, but helps the parish so much.

This week's readings

By Webmaster • January 30, 2026
First Reading Zephaniah 2:3, 3:12-13 There will be a people who remain sheltered from God’s anger. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 146:6-10 The Lord is faithful forever. Second Reading 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 God chooses the weak to show his power. Gospel Reading Matthew 5:1-12a Jesus teaches what it means to be happy. Background on the Gospel Reading Today’s reading is the beginning of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, which is found in Matthew’s Gospel. The form of the Beatitudes found here is not unique to Jesus. Beatitudes are found in the Old Testament, in the psalms, and in wisdom literature, for example. They are a way to teach about who will find favor with God. We quickly note in this reading that the people whom Jesus calls “blessed” and “happy” are not people we think of as blessed or happy . . . the poor in spirit, the meek, the persecuted. This Gospel is one of reversals. Jesus’ blueprint for happiness reflects little of what the world might call happiness.  “Blessed” is sometimes translated as happy, fortunate, or favored. In other words, Jesus is saying that divine favor is upon those who are poor, those who mourn, those who are persecuted. This news might have been welcome—and surprising—to the crowds who heard Jesus that day. The Beatitudes can be understood as a framework for Christian living. Our vocation as Christians is not to be first in this world, but rather to be first in the eyes of God. By referring to the good things that the faithful will experience, Matthew reminds us that those who act in the manner described in the Beatitudes will find their reward with God.

Prayers for the recently dead, months, mind and Anniversaries

By Webmaster • January 30, 2026
Our Recently Dead Frances Drummond, Mary McCrudden, Mary Mearns, Grace Hogg (Wishaw), Baby Lila Rose Kasap (2 months) Anne Marie Watson, Jean Murdoch Month Minds & Anniversaries John Corns, Margaret McCluskey, Helen Connolly, Catherine, Patrick & James O'Donnell, Mary Lyons, Margaret Mine, Marie McLaughlin, Jean & Mary Kane, Mary, Pat & Margaret Cox, Edward & Margaret Rodden Please if you could make sure all month minds and anniversaries are handed in no later than Wednesday Night. If they come in after that they will be read out at Mass on Sunday. If the recently dead come in after the Wednesday deadline they too will be read out at Mass on the Sunday

Powerpoint Remote Control:

By Webmaster • January 30, 2026
I am looking for Volunteers to move the power-points on during the Sunday Masses, Vigil 4pm, 9.30am & 11am. It is very easy to operate, if we get enough volunteers for each Mass we would put a wee rota together. It would take a wee bit of pressure off me.

Year of St Francis of Assisi

By Webmaster • January 24, 2026
The “Year of St Francis of Assisi”, was proclaimed by Pope Leo, in Rome to mark the 800th Anniversary of St Francis’ death in 2026. I am proposing to put a statue of St. Francis in the Church for this jubilee year. This is from EWTN Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a “Special Year of St. Francis” to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death. During this time of grace, which will extend until January 2027, the faithful are granted the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence . This Franciscan Jubilee Year, considered a gift for the entire Church and an occasion for authentic spiritual renewal, was inaugurated on Jan. 10 with a decree issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See. Until Jan. 10 of next year, the faithful can obtain this grace under the usual conditions — sacramental confession, Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the pope — by making a pilgrimage to any Franciscan conventual church or place of worship dedicated to St. Francis anywhere in the world. Furthermore, the elderly, the sick, and those who, for serious reasons, cannot leave their homes can obtain the plenary indulgence  by spiritually joining in the jubilee celebrations and offering their prayers, pains, or sufferings to God.

Mass of the sick

By Webmaster • January 17, 2026
Mass of the Sick Saturday 14th February 10am Mass Ash Wednesday 18th February more details to follow.

Second Sunday of Ordinary Time - 18th January

By Webmaster • January 17, 2026
The Second Sunday of the Year A, falling on January 18, 2026, is known as the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, featuring readings from Isaiah (calling the Messiah a shoot from Jesse), 1 Corinthians (emphasizing unity in Christ), and John's Gospel (John the Baptist identifying Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world). This Sunday marks a shift after Christmas and Epiphany into the regular flow of Ordinary Time, focusing on discipleship, God's calling, and Jesus's identity as revealed through the Baptist. Key Readings (Year A): ● First Reading : Isaiah 49:1-7 (The Servant Song, foretelling the Messiah's mission). ● Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 40 (A response of praise and commitment). ● Second Reading : 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 (Paul's greeting and call to unity). ● Gospel : John 1:29-42 (John the Baptist points to Jesus as the Lamb of God). Themes & Focus: ● The Calling of Disciples : The Gospel highlights Jesus's first disciples (Andrew and another) meeting and following Him. ● Identity of Jesus : The powerful declaration "Behold the Lamb of God" is central, connecting Jesus to sacrifice and redemption. ● Unity in Christ: 1 Corinthians speaks to the diverse people called to be saints, united in Christ. ● Ordinary Time : Moving from festive seasons into regular liturgical focus on Christian life and growth. Context: ● This Sunday often coincides with the start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Baptism of the lord

By Webmaster • January 11, 2026
The Baptism of the Lord is observed as a distinct feast in the Roman rite, although it was originally one of three Gospel events marked by the feast of the Epiphany. Long after the visit of the Magi had in the West overshadowed the other elements commemorated in the Epiphany, Pope Pius XII instituted in 1955 a separate liturgical commemoration of the Baptism.  Currently, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is usually celebrated the Sunday after Epiphany. The exception is when Epiphany is observed on January 7th or 8th; this causes the Baptism to be celebrated on the Monday immediately following Epiphany.When celebrated on Sunday, the Baptism is part of Christmas Time,
Show More